Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights.
I’m in a dilemma. I work for a reputable NHS organisation and was interviewed for my dream job in December. Out of sheer luck and my passion for the role, I got the job. Although I have worked for the same organisation for three years, I interviewed for this role while I was concluding my eight months’ maternity leave.
In February, I discovered I am pregnant again. I was not aware when I interviewed for the new role, nor when I handed in my notice for my old job. Just to clarify, the new role is within the same organisation but a different department.
There is a lot of expectation on me in this role and I’m not sure how to tell my new manager about my pregnancy. As I already have one baby, I will require flexible working anyway, and of course I am returning from another maternity break.
What are my options? I’m also worried about the potential backlash from my new colleagues. Should I quit and look for a more family-friendly career?
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
